Al Krow

Now that's something you won't get if you buy a Sire! They don't sell spare PGs at all.

Nice! Thanks for sharing that. @uk_lefty that gives you a feel of what the current batch of Zoom pedals is like with amp sims, which was your specific query. FWIW - I preferred the TE tone over the Ampeg 😊

Yup I had the exact same idea and with the same result!

Hey @Bafflegab would you mind uploading the ToneLib software https://tonelib.net/ (that's the one Stew and are both using and I don't think the Zoom software allows you to save your patches onto your PC for sharing in the same way). And if you have the B1-4 see if you can download Stew's patch, and if you've got the B1X-4 see if you can download either of my two patches please?

Yes that might be where we are getting stuck, which is a shame as the pedals are pretty identical other than the extra wah patches on the B1X-4 You having the same issue not being able to upload my patches posted on Sunday?

Is that the one from your post half an hour ago (that's the one I downloaded) or is there a newer one?

Thanks Stew - did all that, but all I'm getting is the ZNR effect by itself, although it does come with the description: "('cvt_dev' patch): 2 wah effects for the price of one" I wonder if it's 'cos yours is a B1-4 and mine is a B1X-4? Could you see if this works the other way around? I uploaded a couple of patches a few posts earlier - can you see if you can import them onto your B1-4?

Ok cool. I'm going to stick my neck out and, based on what you've shared so far, recommend that you get yourself a Zoom B1X-4. It's got Zoom's latest chipset (the same as in their B3N) and is a doddle to programme particularly with their free PC editing software or the free ToneLib software. Costs £73 plus P&P. It's got some really useful 'global' controls. Worst case you relegate it to being used as an (excellent) headphone amp or move it on and take a £20 hit for your troubles. The alternative is £575 or so for a used Helix LT if you want a Helix with a foot controller.

You're very welcome. Did you take your BFX-708 out on the road before you got your GT10B - if so, how did you like it? FWIW, the current Zoom line up are IMO easier to edit that the Helix, a fraction of the price (particularly if you're after a built in wah pedal) but don't have the processing power and therefore the quality of the sims on the Helix. At their respective price points, they're both great pieces of kit and I have to 'fess to enjoying having both.

Oooh, that does sound good. I think my Thumpinator could just have found its Terminator. Sadly doesn't currently seem to be on their website...

@jrixn1what's the HPF pre you've got on your board? Looks like a decent alternative to the Thumpinator - does the dial allow you to select cut off frequency?

+1 ^^ D'Addario EXL 170-5 Nickels 45 -130 - Richtone were doing a double pack for £40, but I see prices have now gone back up to £60 for their twin pack.

Got it - YSC. Job done. I'll be joining you shortly in the marketing dept...😁

Nooooo! You can't start referring to this as a SC - It's gonna confuse the hell out of us BF SC owners! 😁

Your continued enthusiasm has been noted and I'm delighted to say you've been hired. Someone from Yahama Sales (I think he goes by the name of krispn) will be along shortly with your induction pack.

Cheers and btw are you a TE fanboy? If so - please see @uk_lefty's query above on the Zoom amp sim.

Pulling you onto this thread if I may, so as not to derail the other thread entirely! Must admit I'm not a big user of amp sims on any of the multis I've had thus far, which is why I've got the Helix HX, which doesn't have amp and cab sims, rather than the Stomp which does and, in any event, I'd be of limited use in saying how good e.g. the TE amp sim is given that I've not been a TE amp user / fanboy to date! But maybe one of the other B1(X)-4 or B3N users on this thread can jump in and say if they rate the Zoom amp sims. I suspect they won't be as close or as realistic as the ones on the Helix Stomp - I know that @dave_bass5 has both pedals. As a fyi - the amp sims on the Zoom include: Ampeg SVT, Ampeg B-15N, Fender Bassman 100, SWR SM-400, Aguilar DB750, TE AH400SMX, Markbass MINIMARK 802, EBS HD360. PS it does seem like the Zoom B1X-4 is the spiritual successor to your Zoom BFX-708 which I think came out a decade ago and is now described as a 'rare vintage guitar pedal' on eBay!

Cheers Stew, look forward to it when you get a mo.

Did Gretsch ever get back to you?

That was nicely done @wateroftyne - what did you guys record it on?

You gotta remember that Treebeard referred to young master Gandalf... It's all relative matey, as young master Einstein once said in his youf 😁

Given that several folk have already commented on this thread how well basses such as the £500 Sire stand up in comparison to the £2,000+ Sads, with the Sad edging it primarily on the pups / electronics but which are lacking in this budget offering, I would be gobsmacked if this Metro Express does anything other than dilute the brand. If it does in fact come out well in comparison then why the heck would you pay 3 to 4 times as much for the NYC? Sounds like a lose-lose strategy to me. Bit like a Porsche deciding it wants to get into 1.5 litre family saloons.

It's what the world needs right now, no question 😁

If you haven't got Sad pups or Sad preamp or Sad finishing. Well that bass is just going to be a bit...sad. But it's going to be hard to describe it as a Sad. And there's gotta be a risk to the brand if folk start saying "well I bought a Sadowsky and frankly it was a bit meh." No point telling them its not a real Sadowsky, they'll just say "that was the name on the tin."

So basically it's Sire without the knobs, right? 😁